Returning stars can spark Roar’s finals charge: Franjic

Ivan Franjic has no doubt Brisbane Roar will mount a late challenge for the Hyundai A-League Finals Series, as key players return from injury.

Roar have endured a horror injury toll for much of the 2017/18 Season but with some key personnel beginning to filter back. Competition for places in the eleven is starting to intensify.

Franjic was one of the stars to return last weekend off the bench against the Jets, while French winger Eric Bautheac is back in the fold and former Caltex Socceroo Brett Holman is also close to comeback.

“The quality of players we have coming back makes a big difference,” Franjic said.

“There are good players missing out now which is what you want – that competition for places.
“More players are going to come back on board this week and next week. Eric Bautheac is getting some minutes back in his legs, as is Thomas Kristensen and I just played my first 30 minutes in a while.

“Once these players get even fitter, we’re only going to be stronger.”

Roar are currently sitting second from bottom on the Hyundai A-League ladder, six points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers.

John Aloisi’s side come up against an equally-desperate Perth Glory on Thursday night in a must-win clash for both teams to kick-off Round 17.

Glory head into the Suncorp Stadium clash in the back of four straight losses, while Roar have lost their last three, or though the last two were against the competition’s top two sides [Jets and Sydney FC].

“We’ve played the two top teams and been unlucky,” Franjic said.

“With a bit more cutting edge up front, we put our chances in and it’s a different ball game.

“We have had the chances to score, we just need to be more clinical with our finishing.

“The belief is there and all our focus in on Perth Glory on Thursday.”

The two sides met just before Christmas in Round 12, with Glory scoring two late goals to prevail 2-1 at Suncorp.